As we all know, at this point in time, military and many DoD civilian families are significantly impacted with the current government shutdown. Our military, many of whom already barely get by, will not be paid their next paycheck assuming we continue on this trajectory. And it looks like we will, at least for now. If there was ever a time when they could use the immediate support of the community, now is that time. And while the military cannot, in any way, make a request for our assistance, we did have the chance to listen in and hear directly from the base leadership at Hill A.F.B. on exactly the current situation, and what they are attempting to do to mitigate some of the challenges. They are diving into this at many levels and directions to help bring some relief.

The need is just as great at MHAFB. Let’s jump in and be one of those avenues of relief for them!

The Airman's Attic, (not sure if MHAFB has this) where military members can get basic food items, has seen TRIPLE the requests coming in over the past week alone. The shelves get stocked, but depleted almost immediately.

Below are the exact ways we can be of immediate support to them.

1 - As you can imagine, DONATIONS for the most basic of needs are the biggest concern at the moment. Non-perishables, canned goods, fresh foods, peanut butter and canned protein items, baby diapers and formula and more. The BEST answer here is GIFT CARDS and here is why: Gift cards are easily stored, easily dispersed, easily tracked for fair allocation, and can be used for exactly what is needed. So gift cards in any amount to grocery stores and also gas cards would be an enormous relief at this time. But of course, any and all donations are welcome for not only cards, but food staples, feminine products, baby products, all of what was mentioned above and any other basics you may have access to would greatly help.

2 - VOLUNTEERS to help direct foot traffic and incoming calls at the Military & Family Readiness Center (MFRC). (Again, not sure if MHAFB has this.) With this shutdown, they are operating on a skeletal staff. Community volunteers would not be offering advice or any specific answers. We would be freeing up the limited staff to stay focused on their job by directing the people that do walk in and those that call to the appropriate resources.

If you feel you can donate your time in support of this, please reply here, and I will get you connected to training information, along with base access. In addition, volunteers are needed to help man the Airman's Attic. This would involve receiving donations, stocking shelves, and assisting Airmen and families picking up their needed items as they come in.

The longer a government shutdown lasts, the need only grows exponentially. Therefore, I also humbly ask you to consider how we not only support the base in the near term, but in a sustained fashion until ALL our Team Mountain Home Airmen and Air Force civilian employees get paychecks again. In addition, please feel free to pass this message along to your various networks, as you feel appropriate. Help us spread the word!

This message went out on an email thread to those we know love to support our military community. If you are able to assist in any of the ways described above, please let us know. Once we have an idea of how the community can support, we will address the specific logistics of delivery, base access for volunteers, etc.

Folks, the need is immediate and growing. So THANK YOU for taking a moment to respond so we have an idea of what type of logistical support we need to put into action.

Dr. Rick Mayer